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The Best Cafes in North Adelaide for a Coffee Catch Up
From smoothie bowls and strawberry matcha to loaded pancakes and lattes, these cosy cafes in North Adelaide tick all the boxes.
North Adelaide is one of those suburbs with more to offer than meets the eye. Home to Adelaide Oval, lush gardens and some of the city’s most gorgeous terrace-style homes, it also packs a punch with its hospitality, lifestyle and entertainment repertoire. From state-of-the-art gyms, buzzing restaurants and 24-hour bakeries on O’Connell Street to longstanding pubs and high-end boutiques on Melbourne Street, there is no shortage of ways to while away a few hours here.
When you need a coffee to fuel a shopping day, a quick sando fix, or a reliable spot for a hearty brunch, these cafes have you covered. But with so many coffee shops to choose from, it can be tricky to know the good from the great. That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the best cafes in North Adelaide for brekky bites, leisurely lunches and, of course, a great latte.
Cottage Kitchen
Cottage Kitchen is a gorgeous all-day dining spot serving Mediterranean flavours with a South Australian twist within a heritage-listed and oh-so-charming cottage. Tucked off Wellington Square, this beautifully renovated 1885 gem blends character and sustainability, offering a menu of early-morning breakfast bites and afternoon cocktails to be enjoyed on the deck.
Head Chef Justin Lee has crafted dishes featuring fresh, regional produce, like corn and chilli fritters, Cottage eggs benny, and a moreish cinnamon brioche with poached pear. With gluten-free and vegetarian options, an SA-exclusive wine list and signature cocktails, Cottage Kitchen calls for slow brunches and long lunches.
198 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
Heat Cafe
These guys are bringing the heat to North Adelaide. Serving some of the best matcha in the city alongside brunch favourites, bagels and sangas, Heat Cafe knows how to draw a crowd. They’re also blending up some of the most delicious smoothies we’ve tried, including the perfect morning fix in the Coffee Clarity Smoothie made with espresso, peanut butter, banana, honey, oat milk, & vanilla protein. Pair that with a loaded bagel or the chilli scramble, and you’ve already won the day.
Sitchu tip: Looking for a new spot for Friday night drinks? The gang are open late on Fridays, serving tasty cocktails and a small snack menu of chips, arancini and dumplings.
103 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
UR Caffe
Serving locals and visitors since 2011, UR Caffe is a longstanding favourite. Sitting on Melbourne Street and serving all-day brunch, the commitment to fresh, local produce is evident in the quality of the dishes, from the Clare Valley eggs to the milk from Mypgona. Try plates with an Asian twist like the pork katsu benny, or keep it classic with corn fritters or a refreshing acai bowl. With coffee by D’angelo Coffee and a welcoming, warm space, everyone is welcome to linger a little longer at UR Caffe.
117 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
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The Flying Fig
If you haven’t experienced the freshly baked heaven that is Jewish Challah bread, we highly recommend heading to this North Adelaide institution for an authentic experience. Paying homage to the landmark Jewish delicatessens of NYC and with exposed brick facade and striped awnings, The Flying Fig’s extensive menu includes bagels, Challah French Toast and a house-made falafel bowl. Swapping health food for soul food, most menu items are made in-house, with the rest sourced from local suppliers in South Australia for ultimate quality.
161 Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide
Cabana
Coffee and brunch by day, Middle-Eastern restaurant by night, Cabana is the latest hospo addition to North Adelaide, opening in late 2024. The reimagined cafe is spacious, bright and modern, breathing new life into a Melbourne Street corner shop. With a culturally diverse team at the helm, the menu spans several cuisines, with influences from Dubai, Italy, and the Middle East shown in the delicious dishes. While the food is fabulous, it’s the drinks menu we are visiting for! Tiramisu iced lattes and matcha cloud lattes… need we say more?
135 Melbourne Street, North Melbourne
SATHU’s Deli
Delicious sandos and barista-brewed coffee are the order of the day at SATHU’s Deli. Crafting loaded sangas with high-quality, South Australian produce, freshness and care can be tasted in every bite. Whether you take your sando on toasted sourdough or with airy Tuscan flatbread, every flavour combo is as tempting as the next, from a veggie La Vedura with fior de latte cheese, roasted veg and pesto to the Cotoletta with hot honey fried chicken, provolone and ranch dressing. For something a little lighter, but just as tasty, fresh salads make up the rest of the menu.
55 King William Road, North Adelaide
The Lion Hotel
Known as the place for any occasion and celebration, The Lion Hotel is a go-to that constantly hums with activity. And, while it may be popular for its elevated pub grub and happy hour deals, did you know The Lion is open early for all your speedy breakfast needs? Start your day with a coffee and a bite outdoors under the brollies, with an express menu filled with sweet and savoury treats. Keep it simple with a ham and cheese croissant or a toastie, or try the coconut chia pudding. Feeling something sweet? The toasted waffles with vanilla creme fraiche, berries and maple syrup always hit the spot.
161 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
Now that you know where to get your coffee fix at the best cafes in Adelaide, it’s time to plan dinner. Stay local with the best restaurants in North Adelaide, or head to Prospect to discover their underrated foodie gems.
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